Early registration now open for September 5K race, hosted by Simmons Hanly Conroy

ALTON – Early registration for the 6th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race & 2K Fun Run Walk, hosted by Simmons Hanly Conroy and organized by Metro Tri Club, is now open. The event returns Saturday, Sept. 27, to Simmons Hanly Conroy’s Alton office at 1 Court St. in honor of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to banning asbestos and funding research for asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. “While promising research continues for mesothelioma, prevention remains the best cure,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO president and wife of Alan Reinstein who lost his battle to mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, in 2006. “This is a great opportunity for ADAO, and we appreciate Simmons Hanly Conroy’s support of our work to educate everyone about the dangers of asbestos.” Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 10,000 Americans every year. Though it is a heavily regulated substance, asbestos is not banned in the United States despite being classified as a human carcinogen in 1976 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The Alton Miles for Meso race has developed a reputation as a race the entire family can enjoy in support of a good cause, said Todd Adamitis, chief operating officer of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “Our ultimate goal is to fund-raise and raise awareness in honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day by providing a family-friendly event that the entire community can be proud of,” Adamitis said. A variety of family-friendly activities including live music, free food, face-painting, a kids’ game zone and a dog adoption event will take place during this year’s race. The 5K race offers a competitive course for local runners. The overall top five male and top five female runners of the 5K race will receive significant cash prizes. “Compared to past years, we only awarded cash prizes to the overall top three male and female runners in the Age Group 5K race. This year we are expanding that number and awarding cash prizes to the overall top five male and female runners,” said Mike Wever, Miles for Meso Race director and president of Metro Tri Club. The overall first-place finisher in both the males and female division will receive $500; second-place male and female runners will receive $250; third, $200; fourth $100; and the top fifth male and female runners will receive $50. In addition, the top three male and top three female finishers in every age group will receive a custom Miles for Meso medal. This year participants can create a team in honor of family, friends, or community members who have suffered due to asbestos-related diseases. ADAO will also host a virtual race for those who cannot attend but would like to have someone run on their behalf or in memory of a loved one. Registration costs $25 through Aug. 31; $30 through Sept. 19; and $35, Sept 20 through race day. Race day registration is also available starting at 7:30 a.m. and the race and walk will begin at 9 a.m. Everyone who registers will receive a long-sleeve, technical race shirt and a goody bag from sponsors. To learn more about registration and the race, visit http://www.milesformeso.org .

About Miles for Meso

Miles for Meso is an initiative of the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation that was established in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Miles for Meso races have been held across the country from New York, to Florida to Washington State and several locations in between. Together, Miles for Meso events held have raised nearly $400,000 to benefit mesothelioma research and awareness.

About Simmons Hanly Conroy

Simmons Hanly Conroy, headquartered in Alton, Ill., is one of the country’s leading asbestos and mesothelioma litigation firms. With offices in Illinois, New York, Missouri and California, the firm has represented thousands of patients and families affected by mesothelioma throughout the country. In addition, Simmons Hanly Conroy has pledged nearly $20 million to cancer research and proudly supports its local communities through other charitable causes like Miles for Meso. For more information about Simmons Hanly Conroy, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.